Eggs are nutritious, they taste great no matter how we prepare them, and they bind many of our favourite recipes together. It’s unbelievable how many things we can do with just a humble little egg, but is it a good idea to feed this tasty food to our cats too?
If you are one of the many owners about to give in to their cat’s pleading eyes and offer them a bite of egg for breakfast, but you’re still pondering the question ‘can cats actually eat eggs?’, here are all the answers you need to know about cats and eggs.
Can cats eat eggs?
The short answer is yes, cats can eat eggs, but only in moderation and always cooked. However, keep in mind that even though eggs come packed with nutrients, their high-fat content can be detrimental if you’re trying to help your cat lose weight. If you’re considering introducing eggs to your cat’s diet, make sure to check with your vet first to make sure you’ll still keep your feline friend healthy.
In general, it’s best not to feed too much egg to your cat, as this may make them eat less of their complete and balanced diet that contains the beneficial nutrients they need. It’s therefore always best to offer eggs in moderation, as an occasional treat. Rather than feeding a whole egg at once, just feed a small piece of egg alongside their normal food.
How much egg can cats eat?
In general, it’s best not to feed too much egg to your cat, as this may make them eat less of their complete and balanced diet that contains the beneficial nutrients they need. It’s therefore always best to offer eggs in moderation, as an occasional treat. Rather than feeding a whole egg at once, just feed a small piece of egg alongside their normal food.
Cats are notorious for making us think they need more food than they do, and they tend to turn extra calories into fat. That is why feeding your cat a balanced diet is important, before feeding your cat egg, always consult your vet first.
Are eggs good for cats?
There is no definitive yes or no answer. Whether eggs are good for your cat depends on your pet’s overall health. Some cats react differently to foods compared to others. Cooked eggs are considered a safer option for your cat, but feeding your cat eggs should always be put past your vet first.
Egg allergy in cats: is it real?
Food allergies often seem to pop up out of nowhere, and pets can develop allergies or intolerances even to ingredients they’re familiar with. Although egg allergies don’t tend to affect cats that often, it is entirely possible for your pet to experience a reaction after enjoying a seemingly harmless bite of scrambled eggs.
Keep an eye out for symptoms of egg allergy in cats. These are the most common ones:
- Excessive grooming
- Itchy skin
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
If you notice any of these symptoms, discuss them with your vet. If eggs turn out to be the culprit for your cat’s discomfort, make sure you avoid feeding them in the future.
Can cats eat raw eggs?
No, it is not recommended to offer your cat raw eggs. Although this might seem a bit counterintuitive given the feline predilection to wreak havoc on birds’ nests and whatever they find inside, there are a few good reasons why raw eggs should not be part of your pet’s diet.
Eating raw eggs increases the risk of bacterial infection, as raw eggs might contain E. coli and Salmonella. By cooking the eggs you’re making sure the harmful bacteria are destroyed, so they won’t pose a threat to your pet. These bacteria can also infect us humans, which is yet another reason why it’s best to be on the safe side and minimise risk by avoiding feeding your cat raw eggs.
Another reason to cook eggs before offering them to your pet is that raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin. This can disrupt the absorption of biotin, which is a vitamin important for maintaining healthy skin and coat. Eating too much avidin over time could potentially cause biotin deficiency, which can be a health concern for your pet. The best rule of thumb when it comes to eggs for cats is that cooked is always better than raw.
Can cats eat egg yolks?
In short, no. Egg yolks contain a high level of fat meaning that your cat may be consuming too many calories on top of their balanced diet, which can lead to weight gain. If your cat is consuming too many excess calories, this can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Can cats eat scrambled eggs
Yes, cats can enjoy the occasional piece of scrambled egg added on top of their usual cat food. Eggs are full of nutrients and, most importantly, fit in with the feline diet of mostly animal protein. As long as you avoid adding any seasoning and don’t cook the eggs with fats, oils, garlic or onions, your cat should be able to enjoy a small amount of scrambled egg every once in a while.
Can cats have boiled eggs?
Yes, cats can have a piece of boiled egg as an occasional treat. You can offer it on its own or mixed in with their favourite cat food. However, make sure the egg is hard-boiled, and remove the egg shell to stop your cat’s treat from turning into a choking hazard. Although seasoning is the secret that gives eggs the flavour, we humans enjoy so much, it’s best to keep the salt and pepper away when offering eggs to your cat.
Can cats eat eggshells?
Eggshells have vitamins and minerals, however, cats can get these from other food sources that are more appropriate for them. If you notice your cat eating some or you accidentally fed some to your cat, don’t worry too much, it won’t cause them much harm.
However, if given in large pieces they can choke on them. It is safer not to feed eggshells to your cats to avoid any choking or discomfort.
Can cats eat egg-fried rice?
No, rice is a food type that is toxic to cats, the majority of egg-fried rice portions contain onion, which is toxic to cats. Onions affect the red blood cells in your cat’s body, which can cause haemolytic anaemi, a product of the damaged blood cells.
Can cats eat egg mayonnaise?
Cats can try mayonnaise, but it should not be given as part of their standard diet. Too much can be harmful to their overall health. Mayonnaise contains a lot of salt, and if your feline friend consumes too much of this, they can suffer from dehydration.
Can kittens eat eggs?
Kittens can also enjoy the occasional piece of nutrient-packed egg, either hard-boiled or scrambled. As long as you’ve got the go-ahead from the vet, you avoid adding extra ingredients such as cheese, garlic or salt, and you make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked to avoid bacterial infections, eggs can make a good treat for a growing kitten.
What is the best way to feed your cat eggs?
If feeding your cat egg whites, they should be boiled or scrambled and should not contain any extra seasoning or salt. Before feeding the egg to your cat, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature. Add only a small amount to your cat’s food in the morning or evening.
Want to know what other human foods cats can eat? Check out a variety of articles that look into the best and worst foods for your cats including can cats eat grapes?
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